parkeey

im thinking of purchasing one, is it hardy enough in the uk london, how does it compare to the musa bajoo for hardness as i have one of these... ?? do they also grow like mad like the basjoo ?

harveyc

There's a similar thread in the main forum to which I posted a reply with a link to this old thread: Siam Ruby in the cold!.

In short, it doesn't seem very hardy.

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marksbananas

I dont have one myself but i have been looking into getting one and from what i have been able to find some people are guessing hardy to zone 9-10. But i would take it that they are not hardy and would need to come in or be well protected over winter. I am in zone 9 and i intend to get one and try outside with protection and see what hapens, it is quite un known on they survial with the cold at the moment as far as i could find out. SO if i was you i would get one as they are lovely plants and either risk it outside or bring it in. HOpe this helped

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Just Bananas about Bananas

musa_monkey

I have a couple they are fantastic plants but are not hardy overwinter in the uk and certainly nothing like as hardy as a a basjoo. Given siam ruby is still relatively costly in the uk i will be overwintering mine indoors.

sandy0225

Not too cold hardy as you've determined. From my greenhouse experience with it last year, it needs to be in higher humidity and even dryer on the roots to keep good leaf condition overwinter. Otherwise the leaf margins tend to burn, and become dry.

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musa_monkey

Good point sandy. i noticed this year they do seem to require greater humidity than my other nanas. They also seem to be more of a magnet for RSM as well

51st state

definitely not hardy, and agree with the spidermites comment. lovely though.

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SteveW

I wouldn't even dream of overwintering my ruby outside,last year mine came indoors and spent winter in the bathroom where it carried on growing and pupped for me.I didn't have any rsm on it though,just loads of bl@@@@ aphids.

raggedyredhead

Definitely not hardy. I have two and this is what I was told at the garden center. I know the origin is Thailand and they have consistent high temps of 80's or more. Mine have to come indoors in NJ. BTW Spray misting foilage helps keep spider mites down. Dry air will bring them on.
Raggedy

raggedyredhead

I've been to London and your climate is very similar to My home, New Jersey. Basjoo will thrive here If protected. Siam Ruby's origin is Thailand where temp is constantly 80s or more. The only way to keep this one is indoors where it would be warm enough. Mine don't seem to grow that fast because they are growing in pots. My two are under 4ft.
which makes them a manageable size. Hope this information helps you.
Raggedy

raggedyredhead

Hi, I have been searching info everywhere. Then, it was right here all the time. It seems Siam Ruby was only discovered about two years ago in Thailand. I found that it is actually a wild banana that may be related to Musa Acuminata . As I said before Thailand is 80s and higher at all times. I checked some of my plant books and did find a red leaf ornamental and it says
not under 66 degrees in winter. So considering it's origin I wouldn't chance it.
Is zone 9 Florida?
Raggedy

damaclese

My ruby is setting outside in less than 20% humidity and don't have any browning on the leaves at all. I do plan to take mine inside this winter. However I will say that it grows slowly for me here in Nevada as most of my bananas do! With the intensity of the sun here the leaves do take on a lovely deep red color. Out of all the bananas I'm growing this one seems to take the most sun. Judging from its ability to take the high temperature I'd say it is not cold hard at all!

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raggedyredhead

You Got That Right! I didn't notice temp dropped. One of mine looked a little
on the droopy side. I'm sure it's OK, just didn't like the cooler temp. I will be more careful in the future. It was a beautiful sunny day and all of a sudden it changed.